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The Dutchess County Legislature approved a $653.6 million budget for the 2026 fiscal year on Tuesday (December 8). The budget increases both spending and the property tax levy beyond what County Executive Sue Serino had proposed. The legislature passed the budget with a 15-9 vote, with all Democrats opposing it, according to Daily Freeman.
The approved budget reinstates the county sales tax exemption on clothing and footwear costing up to $110, reversing Serino's proposal to remove it. This change is expected to generate an additional $5.4 million in revenue. Additionally, the legislature added $771,000 to restore cuts to the District Attorney’s Office and fund various community programs, including “All Abilities” programs at libraries and a pilot grant program to address homelessness.
The budget now awaits County Executive Serino's decision to either let it take effect or veto it. The legislature will meet again on December 17 to consider any potential veto overrides. Legislator Kristofer Munn noted that the new budget includes several amendments, such as $81,400 for Rev250 programming and $253,000 for the Sheriff’s Department. However, he expressed concerns about the budget's impact on the county's fund balance, as reported by Mid Hudson News.
County Executive Serino had initially proposed a $651.4 million budget that emphasized strategic investments in public safety, housing, and services for seniors and veterans, while staying below the New York State property tax cap. Her plan included a property tax levy of $106 million, a decrease in the property tax rate, and the use of $23.5 million from the county’s general fund balance to minimize taxpayer impact, as outlined on the Dutchess County website.